Our drawing of the route, over road and path data from OpenStreetMap. It shows where the walk goes and what it goes through. It is not a survey and not a navigation aid — carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Four and a third miles one way along the dunes and low cliffs of the Hayle estuary into St Ives, about two hours with 130 metres of climbing and the branch-line train back for the price of a coffee. Start at St Uny church in Lelant, where there is limited roadside space, or use the Lelant Saltings Park and Ride and pick up the train one stop. No stiles and little chance of livestock, and Porth Kidney allows dogs all year with a mile of firm sand at low water; dogs must be on leads between St Uny church and Porth Kidney Sands, and the two St Ives beaches at the far end are restricted in season.
Hotel built onto the rocks between Porthminster beach and St Ives harbour, so nearly every window is over water. Dogs are permitted in most areas other than the main restaurant, and a select number of bedrooms are dog-friendly and must be booked as such. Both beaches below carry seasonal bans, so plan early or late walks.
A small sheltered cove tucked behind the Island, the calmest of the St Ives beaches and the one with the beach huts. It falls under the shorter ban, 1 July to 31 August between 10am and 6pm, unlike Porthmeor and Porthminster next door. Early June and late September are quiet and unrestricted.
The north-facing surf beach below the Tate, catching the swell that St Ives' harbour beaches never see. It holds award status and so carries the long restriction, 10am to 6pm from mid-May to the end of September. All four St Ives beaches are restricted in season, which is why the terrace at the beach café matters.
One short email when we add places or a council changes its beach rules. No noise, easy out.
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